Many people are still trying to figure out what they should be doing with their lives. This is not limited to people in their late teens who are completing high school. People go through “existential crisis” at different ages and stages. This is when people question whether or not their lives have any purpose, meaning and value. This is sometimes associated with extremely negative emotions that can be linked to depression and anxiety. In extreme cases, this can lead to suicidal thoughts and some people eventually commit suicide.
Apologies if my introduction sounds a bit fatalistic or gloomy. I am not declaring depression or self harming on anyone. On the contrary, I am highlighting a serious issue which I hope that we can address in order to offer strategies for coping. I have found that supporting people to identify what they are good at, to be honest about their passions and identify their gifts and calling, helps to reduce feelings of depression. The devil is the father of lies and his demons whisper lies and deceit that causes depression. Some of the well rehearsed lies sound like; “you don’t serve a purpose; no one will miss you if you are gone; you are not valuable; you are a burden to others.”
Contrary to those lies is the word of God which says; “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14). “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5); “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:16).
These and many other scriptures point to the fact that God knew us before we were conceived in the womb. God created a unique purpose for us and sent us into the earth at a specific time to fulfil that purpose. The devil hates us because he hates God and we are children of God. His main goal is to create so much pain and confusion that we abort the plan of God for us. When we draw close to God, he comforts us, cares for us and makes the way for us to do what he created us to do. Being close to God means that he reveals to us daily why he has us here and what he wants us to do.
Daily communication with God helps us to heal from hurting and offers immense peace and assurance. We develop confidence in knowing what we are created to do and how we should be doing it. God loves you so much and he has a very good plan for you which he wants to help you to accomplish. Stay in his presence, pray and ask him for guidance and let him help you. Reach out to a minister, counsellor or a mature Christian for help and counselling if you need additional support. Remember that you are valuable and the world needs what you have to offer.
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about Understanding Your Calling.
